Please Read Everything Before RSVP’ing

Distance: 49.4 Miles
Elevation Gain: 5832 feet
Avg. Climbing Gradient: 6%
Estimated Move Time: <4.5 hours
Route Map: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/9510958

Skyline Drive is one of the most beautiful, scenic, and challenging rides on the east coast. Your significant climbing efforts will be rewarded with some amazing views of the Northern Shenandoah Valley along the ride and at the many scenic overlooks that we will pass on this route.

Pedal Time is 10:00 AM. You should arrive at least 15 minutes early so that you will have sufficient time to get yourself and your bike ready to ride.

Veterans Day Weekend is a fee-free weekend, so no park passes will be required to ride or drive!

*** ROUTE INFORMATION ***

The route along Skyline Drive is “out and back”, so you will have to option of riding as little or as long as you would like. The route begins with a “warmup” climb starting from the Skyline High School to the entrance of Skyline Drive where you will climb 1400 feet in the first 4.5 miles of the ride! You can drive to Dickey Ridge Visitor’s Center (mile marker 5 with a nice sized parking lot) and join the group as they stop for a break. This avoids that first 5 mile climb and is great for first time Skyline riders.

For most, this will be a challenging ride. If you are not accustomed to rides with significant elevation and/or long sustained climbs like this, and thrilling long descents, you may want to pass on this until you are.

We will make every attempt to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable ride, but because of the difficulty of this ride, varying rider abilities, and those who may want to stop frequently to rest, take pictures, etc., we will not always stay together as a group. But you CAN’T get lost!

Rest Stops & Turn Around Points

For reference, rest stops and turn around points are listed below. There are mile posts (MP) every mile on Skyline, so the points below reference the appropriate MP location.

MP 4.5 Dickey Ridge Visitor’s Center – restrooms, parking (only water/restroom for 43 mile riders)

MP 5-20 – there are 12 overlooks and chances to rest

MP 20.7 Hogback Mountain – highest peak, turnaround point if you want to skip the final climb (3 miles at 6% avg gradient)

MP 24 Elkwallow Wayside Store – restrooms, store, and turnaround point

*** IMPORTANT LOGISTICS ***

• Cell phone coverage – Because this is a national park in a very remote area there will be very little if any cell phone coverage. Because of this it is extremely important that you are well prepared and understand the logistics and organization of this ride. From past experience there is spotty coverage outside the Front Royal entrance, and at Sky Meadows (mile marker 42).

• Cell phone battery drain – Because of the lack of coverage in this area, cell phone batteries will drain very quickly. It is highly recommended that you put your phone in airplane mode during the ride to preserve your battery.

• Driver’s License/Photo ID – Park rangers have advised in the past that bicyclists are required to carry valid identification. Although unlikely, you may be asked if you are carrying an ID and/or to provide identification upon entrance to the park.

• Weather – Because of the elevation and climate in this area, weather conditions may be very different (cold, rain, fog, etc.) at higher elevations and may change suddenly in different areas of the park. You will work up a sweat on the climbs, but the descents can be very chilly! Please check the weather and plan carefully, you may want to carry a jacket/windbreaker, arm warmers, leg warmers, etc.

• Bicycle Gearing – Is your bike properly geared for long and/or steep hill climbs? Do you have little knowledge about bicycle gearing? You may want to discuss your current gearing setup with your local bike shop or one of our group members. Gearing can make a significant difference when it comes to hill climbing.

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